“And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” Matthew 1:16 KJV
During the last half of the 20th century and so far so in the 21st century a certain amount of people take offense to the spelling of Christmas as ‘Xmas.’ Their argument is, and rightly so, it is used to keep ‘Christ’ out of Christmas. The phrase ‘Keep Christ in Christmas ‘was coined to list ways to keep the meaning of Christmas true to what it is, the birth of Christ. Notably, it is also used to refute the spelling of ‘Xmas.’ There is no doubt within secular society attempts are made to undermine and diminish the influence of Christianity, and by using ‘Xmas’ they are found guilty. The opponents of the use of ‘Xmas’ need not worry so much. Those who use ‘Xmas’ with the intent to remove Christ from Christmas are failing in their attempts because, little do they know, they are promoting Christ in their actions.
The original use of ‘Xmas’ dates back to the year 1021, however it began to be used more frequently in the mid-1500s. The ‘X’ is from the Greek letter ‘Chi’ which is the first letter in Greek for the word ‘Christ.’ In Greek, the name of Christ is Χριστός (christos). The first letter resembles the English letter (x). It was in the middle ages when writing in ink was expensive that shorthand was used, and ‘chi’ was inserted for Χριστός. Carried over into English is ‘X’, therefore ‘Xmas’ meaning (christos-mas.) There was never any effort to disrespect the name of Christ for they could not have, it was not their attempt. The writing signified Christ and that was their intention.
Fast forward to 1983 and Webster’s 9th Edition which reads, “[X is symbol for Christ from the Greek letter chi (x), initial of Christos Christ + mas (in Christmas) ]: Christmas (dates from 1551).”
So, feel free to use ‘Xmas.’ You are honoring Christ who was born to save us from our sins. Don’t discourage those who use it thinking it keeps Christ out of Christmas, it does not. But thank them for honoring your Lord and Savior and show them Χριστός (christos) and His love for them and wish them a Merry Xmas.
Source used: Wiersbe, David W. & Warren W. C is for Christmas. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2012. Pg 199-200
Word for the Soul 